AkzoNobel is pleased to announce its involvement in an important new initiative to inspire young people into careers in the manufacturing sector. Leading global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel is joining an exclusive group of companies including Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems, GlaxoSmithKline and Tata Steel to take part in the Industrial Cadets scheme.

Launched in January 2013 by HRH The Prince of Wales, Industrial Cadets aims to introduce young people (aged 12-16) to the workplace, offering real insights into how businesses operate and equipping them with the skills, information and knowledge of opportunities for a successful career in industry. With support from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the project has been developed for national roll out by the charity EDT, which specialises in linking business and education.

AkzoNobel’s participation in the initiative will be through its Insight Week. Launched in 2012 by AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in Slough, this allows small groups of local schoolchildren to partake in a series of interactive workshops, combined with a more traditional work experience in different departments.

The week is built around 'Concept to Shelf' and shows the journey of how an idea moves though different parts of the business to become a product in store. The students are also shown what different career opportunities exist across the business and are encouraged to think about careers in industry.

This year, the AkzoNobel scheme is being expanded nationwide, and will now operate in conjunction with the Industrial Cadets scheme.

Welcoming the news, Ruth Saunders, AkzoNobel’s UK Recruitment Manager, said: “AkzoNobel is delighted to have the opportunity to join up with this exciting initiative. We look forward to helping inspire a new generation of children to take up a career in industry.”